Famous Men of Rome · Ch. I, part 1 · Unit 1: The kings of Rome
1. Romulus, part 1: The twins and the wolf
Goal: Your child can tell the Roman story of Romulus and Remus, from the basket on the Tiber to the founding of Rome.
You'll need
- The book, open to this chapter
- A map of Italy and the Mediterranean (a free online map or a globe)
- Paper and colored pencils
- A long strip of paper for a timeline (taped-together sheets work well)
What's in the book
The first three sections of Chapter I: King Amulius takes the throne of Alba from his brother Numitor, the twins are set adrift on the Tiber and saved by a she-wolf, they grow up with the herdsman Faustulus, and Romulus founds Rome after the contest of the vultures.
The lesson, step by step
Set the scene
Find Italy on the map. Point to the River Tiber and the city of Rome, near the west coast and not far from the Mediterranean Sea.
SayThis book is about the people of Rome, a city that grew until it ruled most of the lands around this sea. We start at the very beginning, with the story the Romans told about how their city was born.
A word about legends
SaySome of these first stories are legends. The Romans believed them, but nobody today knows how much really happened. We read them because they tell us what the Romans thought about themselves.
The book says the god Mars was the twins' father. That is part of the legend.
Read the chapter
Read the first three sections aloud together, up to the death of Remus. It begins:
Many, many years ago, in the pleasant land of Italy, there was a little city called Alba.
Stop now and then to ask, "What do you think will happen next?"
Tell it back
Close the book and ask your child to tell the story in their own words. Prompts if they get stuck:
- Why did Amulius want to get rid of Numitor's children and grandchildren?
- How were the babies saved, and who found them?
- How did the twins find out who their grandfather was?
- How did the brothers decide who would name the city?
Talk it over
Ask:
- Remus saw six vultures first; Romulus saw twelve. Who do you think had the better claim?
- Romulus killed his brother in a rage. What does it tell us that the Romans kept this sad part in their story?
Remember it
Read the words Romulus cried out:
So perish any one who shall hereafter attempt to leap over my wall.
SayRome was named after Romulus. Roma, or Rome.
Start a timeline (optional)
Lay out a long paper strip. Mark a point near the left end "Rome founded." You will add the date in the next lesson. Your child can draw the she-wolf and the twins beside it.
Afterwards
Over the next day or two, ask your child to tell the story of Romulus and Remus to another family member.
Tip
Children love the she-wolf and the woodpecker. Let them enjoy the story; the "legend" talk only needs a sentence or two.
Answers to the book's problems
Who had the better claim: either answer is fine if it is explained; Remus saw birds first, Romulus saw more. Why keep the sad part: the Romans thought the walls of their city were sacred and that anyone who mocked them should be punished; it also shows Romulus as fierce and quick to anger.
Worked out for this site from the scan. If a number in your copy differs, trust the book.